“Could you?”
“Not if you behave like a stuffed hull. A girl likes a little action now and then.”
George could scarcely believe his ears. “Action?” he repeated blankly.
“My God!” she exclaimed, and suddenly laughed. “I don’t believe it’s possible! You’re nothing but a schoolboy! Why don’t you grow up?”
He began to tremble. God! He was making a mess of this, he thought desperately. What a stupid fool he was! She was inviting him to make love to her, and all he could do was to sit and tremble!
“What’s the matter?” she asked sharply. “Aren’t you well?”
“I’m all right,” he said, and suddenly reached out for her hand. It felt cool and slim in his burning great paw. “Cora! I say, Cora…” and he pulled her upright and kissed her clumsily.
She made no move, leaning back against his arm, her face a white blur in the darkness. Her perfume intoxicated him, the touch of her smooth cheek against his lips sent blood pounding in his ears.
“I do love you so,” he said, and kissed her throat, holding her against him tightly.
They remained like that for a minute or two, then she pushed him away.